Sligo TD Marian Harkin has slammed proposed cuts to post-mastectomy services which will see the number of mastectomy bras and prostheses for women who have breasts removed in cancer treated cut in half, describing the change in policy as mean-spirited and cruel.
Speaking on the Rural Independents on rural healthcare today in the Dáil, the Independent TD sad that women were shocked, angry and distressed at the decision to reduce the number of mastectomy bras to just one for breast cancer survivors. She said: “so many people have been in contact with me about this”.
“It is important to say that mastectomy bras, prostheses and swimwear are not underwear or swimwear,” Deputy Harkin added.
“They are medical devices necessary to help women’s recovery from the perspective of lessening the risk of lymphoedema and for giving breast cancer survivors a little bit of confidence to face the world.”
“Back in 2017, the HSE attempted to cut back on post-mastectomy products, but a public outcry ensued and the decision was reversed,” she said, adding that “it seems to have sneaked back in again in recent days.”
“A 50% cut in funding is proposed. Women are entitled to two mastectomy bras, one or two prostheses, depending on need, and one or two swimming prostheses, again depending on need. For that to be cut in half is unacceptable,” she said.
“Many women, their partners and their families are really upset about this decision. Will the Minister of State immediately contact the Minister for Health to ensure this totally unacceptable cut to women’s post-mastectomy services is immediately reversed and is finally and fully taken off the table,” she said.
In 2017, when the proposal first raised controversy before being deferred, it was proposed that women would only be provided with an allowance of €68.50 for one breast prosthesis every two years, though the cost of would be between €110 and €200.
In addition, women will no longer be provided with surgical bras, other than one supplied when they are leaving hospital. The HSE was forced to postpone the introduction of the new policy.
Dr Janice Walshe, a medical oncologist at St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, told the Independent at the time: “While a diagnosis of breast cancer is difficult, the knowledge that a mastectomy is needed rather than a lumpectomy is doubly devastating.
“Patients will often suffer low self-esteem due to altered body image, so the importance for a woman to have a proper, well-fitting good prosthesis cannot be overstated.
“Personally, I think it is inconceivable to think that women may not be wearing an essential garment due to inability to pay.”
In the Seanad yesterday, Senator Sharon also raised the issue, saying that the proposed 50% cut in services she said played a “critical role” in recovery for patients should be reversed immediately.
It is vital that Post-Mastectomy Products be reinstated immediately by @DonnellyStephen #BreastCancer #Mastectomy #Healthcare @IrishCancerSoc @breastcareby https://t.co/ZutBdGBJ9F
— Senator Sharon Keogan (@SenatorKeogan) February 20, 2024